Sound doctrine

1But as for you, teach what befits sound doctrine. 2Bid the older men be temperate, serious, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in behaviour, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited. 6Likewise urge the younger men to control themselves. 7Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, 8and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. 9Bid slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to be refractory, 10nor to pilfer, but to show entire and true fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.

11For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, 12training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour2.13 Or of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 142.14: Ps 130.8; Ezek 37.23; Deut 14.2.who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

15Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.